In pictures: Syrian potter preserves centuries-old craft

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In pictures: Syrian potter preserves centuries-old craft

The 85-year-old potter said his family has practised the craft for more than 450 years

Published: December 21, 2020 12:01 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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Copy of 229019-01-02-1608522548922 — Inside a dusty and dark workshop on the banks of the Jaghjagh river in northeast Syria, Misak Antranik Petros uses an ancient pottery wheel to throw different shapes from clay. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229024-01-02-1608522536392 — The 85-year-old Syrian potter of Armenian origin said his family has practised the craft for more than 450 years. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229031-01-02-1608522524551 — "The profession was passed down from one generation to another like an inheritance," he said. "Now, my son is taking it up." Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229014-01-02-1608522512011 — His workshop is located inside an ancient mud-brick house near the city of Qamishli, administered by Kurdish authorities who control much of northeastern Syria. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229023-01-02-1608522539339 — It is cluttered with pots, tools and classically shaped vases, mostly covered in dust. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229022-01-02-1608522542654 — Petros and his two sons spend most of their time in the humid space, heated by an old wood-burning stove. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229013-01-02-1608522514959 — "I dont like to clean the clay off my hands because I like the texture," he told AFP from his workshop. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229009-01-02-1608522521462 — Petros was only a teenager when he had to take over for his sick father and become the main potter of the family. He has since become a master of the craft, and is keen to pass his skills on. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229016-01-02-1608522505954 — "I am happy when I see the door of the workshop open and my son working inside," he said. "This craft deserves to be preserved." Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229010-01-02-1608522518328 — Syria's nine-year-long war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions from their homes. Petros and his family were largely spared with their home and workshop dodging damage. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229015-01-02-1608522508954 — Of Petros's two sons - Anto and Yerevan - the former is likely to follow in his footsteps as a professional potter, especially after receiving training from his father. Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229025-01-02-1608522533391 — "His hands need to be balanced," Petros said of his son, like a trapeze artist "walking on a tight rope". Image Credit: AFP

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Copy of 229026-01-02-1608522530478 — "I can't stop pottery for even two days because my hands miss it," Anto said. "If God blesses me with a child, I will teach them this craft the way my father taught me." Image Credit: AFP

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